Manager Jose Mourinho believes that it was a huge mistake by predecessor Louis van Gaal to sell the central defender to West Brom for just £6million two and a half years ago.

Now he wants him back – but Mourinho knows he will have to fight off neighbours Manchester City and Arsenal who are both preparing bids for the 29-year-old Baggies star who faces United at the Hawthorns on Sunday.

Evans made almost 200 appearances for United over nine years beginning in 2006 (Image: Getty)

City had a £20million offer rejected by City in the last transfer window while Gunners boss Arsene Wenger also registered his interest.

It’s believed West Brom won’t stand in Evans’ way if an acceptable bid of around £30million is received during the January window.

Mourinho wishes Van Gaal hadn't decided to cash in on the player when he was boss (Image: Liverpool FC/Getty)

United’s interest in Evans who spent 11 years at the club has increased with the news that central defender Eric Bailly has been ruled out for at least three months following ankle surgery.

Swedish international Victor Lindelof has also struggled since his £32 million summer move from Benfica.

It's believed West Brom won't stand in skipper Evans' way if they are offered around £30m (Image: Getty)

Since leaving United, Evans has become a talisman for West Brom and Northern Ireland and sparked interest among some of the Premier League’s top clubs which now includes Manchester United.

Mourinho, who is confident of landing Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil in the summer on a free transfer, is also eyeing possible moves for Paris Saint-Germain right-back Thomas Meunier and Tottenham left-back Danny Rose.

Meunier, a Belgium international, is aware of United’s interest and would favour a switch to the Premier League in the summer.